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reddish blotches on the sides and back. The 
underside is yellowish brown, with two or 
more rows of irregular, semi-circular brownish 
spots. In some old specimens the color above 
is dusky brown, and the markings are hardly 
discernible, while the underside is marked 
with dull yellowish and brown blotches. The 
eyes of this species are small, with a reddish 
caste, possessing a vicious expression, true to 
the irritable temper of this snake. The scales 
on the back are coarse, forming a keel along 
the dorsal line. 
Although fitted to seize its natural prey in 
the water, and capable of remaining beneath 
the surface for considerable time, yet the water 
adder frequents the shore in search of frogs and 
toads, and to enjoy a noon-day nap beneath 
stones and refuse matter. It is very quick in 
its movements, and readily attacks large fish. 
‘The old fishermen along the Delaware have 
entertained me with interesting accounts of ex- 
citing life struggles between large eels and full 
grown water adders. And they have also told 
me of instances when water adders have com- 
passed their own destruction in attempting to 
gorge large cat-fish, the sharp spines of which 
have pierced through the distended skin of the 
snake’s neck, and thus caused the death of the 
gormand snake. 
Karly in August the female water adder 
brings forth her young, in some suitable spot 
on land.» Her family usually numbers sixteen, 
